What is impact player rule

What is impact player rule

The impact player rule, also known as the "Designated Player Rule" or the "Beckham Rule", is a rule in Major League Soccer (MLS) that allows teams to sign up to three high-profile players outside of the league's salary cap. These players are often referred to as "Designated Players" or "DPs."

The rule was first introduced in 2007 and was named after the English soccer star David Beckham, who was signed by the Los Angeles Galaxy as their first Designated Player. The rule was put in place to allow MLS teams to attract world-class players who may have otherwise signed with European or South American clubs.

The Designated Player rule has had a significant impact on the league, with many high-profile players such as Zlatan Ibrahimović, Thierry Henry, and David Villa, among others, being signed as Designated Players. The rule has helped to raise the profile of MLS and has made the league more competitive on the global stage.